Don’t bother making breakfast tomorrow

If there’s another breakfast deal out there that gives you a chance to win a trip for two to a B.C. Lions game or a host of other great prizes, while also supporting a broad range of non-profits, we certainly haven’t seen it.

The deal with all the perks that we do know about is the annual United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast, which takes place Thursday from 6:30-9 a.m. outside the Penticton Lakeside Resort.

In exchange for a donation to the United Way Central and South Okanagan Similkameen, each diner will receive a hot breakfast sandwich prepared by the team at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, a newspaper courtesy of the Penticton Herald, Tim Horton’s coffee and treats, water and goodies from a multitude of generous sponsors.

Each breakfast bag is valued at $50, with coupons and gift cards. There is also a chance to win one of 97 grand prizes, which include a wine and golf package from Summerland Waterfront Resort and Sumac Ridge, box seats for the Three Days Grace concert in Penticton and lift passes for Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

A total of 750 adult bags have been prepared, plus another 100 with kid-specific content.

All money raised at the breakfast goes to the United Way, which then distributes it to groups doing great work in our community, such as the South Okanagan Women In Need Society.

Executive director Debbie Scarborough said the United Way helps fund everything from SOWINS’ receptionist — “so that we are providing consistent, compassionate support every time a client walks in the door” — to bus passes that allow women who are rebuilding their lives to get to work.

“I would honestly say that the majority of people who access services through SOWINS are somehow touched by United Way,” said Scarborough.

United Way CSOS executive director Helen Jackman said the agency does its homework before granting money to ensure donors get the most bang for their buck.

“I’m proud that we are able to support programs that help children build resilience and confidence, support families living in poverty or on the verge of crisis and help reduce seniors’ isolation,” said Jackman.

“Our Community Fund investments truly provide local support to those people who need it most right here in our community.”

Last year’s edition of the Drive Thru Breakfast raised $15,000.

United Way has already invested $473,821 in the community this year, with funds distributed to 17 local charities to help 18,600 people.